Minimally invasive dual plating of a complex femoral fracture; a case report

Abstract

Complex femur fractures are defined as combined fractures of shaft and proximal or the distal femur. It usually occurs in young adults due to high energy trauma. Treatment of this type of fracture is challenging. Herein, we present the management of multi-level complex femoral fracture in 38 years old using minimally invasive overlapping dual plating with bridge proximal femoral locking plate from above and distal femoral locking plate from below. Favourable clinical and radiologic outcomes were observed. The result demonstrates dual plating of complex femoral fracture using MIPO could be considered as a suitable treatment option for complex femoral fracture.

Keywords: Complex femoral fracture; Dual plating; Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis.

Fig. 1

Preoperative plain radiograph showing multi-level complex femoral fracture.

Fig. 2

Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis incisions.

Fig. 3

Clinical photograph showing both PFLP and DFLP after fixation.

Fig. 4

Immediate post-operative radiograph.

Fig. 5

6 month postoperative radiograph showing bridging callus at the comminuted fracture site and obliteration of segmental fracture sites.

Fig. 6

Nine month's postoperative radiographs showing united fracture sites.